Battery module

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module. A battery module (10) is provided with: a battery cell stack (12) having a battery cell (18) and a heat exchanger (20); a holding mechanism (17); a holding mechanism that holds the battery cell stack (12) by pressing both ends of the battery cell stack (12) in the stacking direction inward in the stacking direction; the falling-off prevention mechanism at least prevents the heat exchanger (20) from falling off from the battery cell laminated body (12). Therefore, the heat exchanger can be prevented from falling off from the battery cell laminated body, and the fastening force acting on the battery cells can be prevented from being too large when the battery cells are expanded due to heat generation or deterioration of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101130 discloses a battery module having a cell stack composed of stacked battery cells and a heat exchanger. The battery module also includes a retaining mechanism (battery frame) that applies a tightening load from both sides of the cell stack to hold the cell stack. The battery frame prevents movement of the battery cells and heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The battery cell stack is held in place only by the frictional force generated by the pressing force applied by the battery frame. Therefore, when an impact such as vibration occurs, if a force exceeding the holding force based on the frictional force acts on the battery cell stack, the heat exchanger or the battery cell may move in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (position shift). As a countermeasure, there is a method of increasing the pressing force (fastening force) applied by the battery frame. However, the above countermeasures require increasing the rigidity of the battery cells and the heat exchanger. In addition, according to the above countermeasures, when the battery cell expands due to heat or deterioration, the fastening force acting on the battery cell may increase.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] The present invention is a battery module comprising a battery cell stack, a retaining mechanism and an anti-falling mechanism, wherein the battery cell stack comprises battery cells and a heat exchanger stacked on the battery cells; the retaining mechanism retains the battery cell stack by pressing both end portions of the battery cell stack in the stacking direction inwardly in the stacking direction; and the anti-falling mechanism at least prevents the heat exchanger from falling off from the battery cell stack.

[0006] According to the present invention, even when an impact exceeding the expected value is applied to the battery module, the heat exchanger can be supported by the anti-drop mechanism. This prevents the heat exchanger from falling out of the battery cell stack. Furthermore, since there is no need to increase the tightening force applied by the retaining mechanism, excessive tightening force acting on the battery cell can be prevented when the battery cell expands due to heating or degradation of the battery cell.

[0007] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell stack.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of section III-III.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the anti-falling mechanism.

[0012] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the VA-VA cross section. Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state where the heat exchanger is supported by the anti-fall mechanism.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an aircraft equipped with a battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on, for example, an aircraft 102 serving as a mobile object 100. The aircraft 102 is, for example, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft 102 includes a fuselage 104, a plurality (e.g., four) of VTOL rotors 106, and a plurality (e.g., two) of cruise rotors 108.

[0015] The VTOL rotors 106 generate upward thrust for the aircraft 102. The cruise rotors 108 generate horizontal thrust for the aircraft 102. The battery module 10 is located inside the fuselage 104. The battery module 10 supplies electric power to electric motors (not shown) for driving the VTOL rotors 106 and cruise rotors 108. The mobile object 100 may be, for example, a vehicle or a ship. Furthermore, the battery module 10 is not limited to being mounted on the mobile object 100.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack 12 and a plurality of battery frames 16 .

[0017] like Figure 2As shown, the battery cell stack 12 has a plurality of battery cells 18 and a plurality of heat exchangers 20. A plurality of battery cells 18 arranged in the direction of arrow X constitutes one battery cell group 19. In this embodiment, four battery cell groups 19 are arranged in the direction of arrow Y. The number of battery cell groups 19 may be less than 3 or more than 4. In the battery module 10, only one battery cell group 19 may be provided. A plurality of battery cells 18 and a plurality of heat exchangers 20 are arranged (stacked) in the direction of arrow X. Hereinafter, the X direction will also be referred to as the "stacking direction". In addition, the direction in the X direction toward the center of the battery module 10 is expressed as the "inside of the stacking direction". The direction in the X direction away from the center of the battery module 10 is expressed as the "outside of the stacking direction".

[0018] The battery cell 18 is a stacked battery. It is formed into a rectangular plate shape. Multiple terminal portions 22 protrude from one side of the battery cell 18 in the direction indicated by the arrow Z. The multiple battery cells 18 are connected in series via the terminal portions 22. The terminal portions 22 are schematically shown. Electrical connection components (not shown) are joined to the multiple terminal portions 22.

[0019] The plurality of heat exchangers 20 include a plurality of first heat exchangers 20a and a plurality of second heat exchangers 20b. Figure 2 As shown, each first heat exchanger 20a includes a plate-shaped water jacket 24, a water supply and drainage header 26, and a turnheader 28. The water jacket 24 extends in the direction indicated by arrow Y. A flow path for cooling water is formed within the water jacket 24. Although not shown in detail, this flow path includes a flow path for cooling water to flow from the water supply and drainage header 26 to the turnheader 28, and a return path for cooling water to flow from the turnheader 28 to the water supply and drainage header 26.

[0020] The water supply and drainage manifold 26 is one of a pair of manifolds provided in the first heat exchanger 20a. The water supply and drainage manifold 26 is provided at one end (Y1 direction side) of the water jacket 24 in the longitudinal direction (arrow Y direction), that is, the first end. The water supply and drainage manifold 26 supplies and discharges cooling water to and from the water jacket 24. The water supply and drainage manifold 26 has a water supply port 30 and a drain port 32. The water supply port 30 is provided at the upper portion of the water supply and drainage manifold 26. The water supply port 30 supplies cooling water to the deflow channel of the water jacket 24. The water supply ports 30 of adjacent first heat exchangers 20a are connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner.

[0021] The drain port 32 discharges cooling water from the return path of the water jacket 24. The drain port 32 is located at the bottom of the water supply and drainage header 26. The drain ports 32 of adjacent first heat exchangers 20a are fluid-tightly connected. Alternatively, the above configuration may be reversed, with the water supply port 30 located at the bottom of the water supply and drainage header 26 and the drain port 32 located at the top.

[0022] Although not shown in detail, the water supply ports 30 of adjacent first heat exchangers 20a are connected so as to be relatively movable in the X-direction. This allows the water supply ports 30 to absorb expansion of the battery cells 18 in the X-direction due to heat generation or degradation. Similarly, the water discharge ports 32 of adjacent first heat exchangers 20a are connected so as to be relatively movable in the X-direction.

[0023] The diverting header 28 is the other of a pair of headers provided in the first heat exchanger 20a. It is located at the other longitudinal end (the Y2 direction side) of the water jacket 24, i.e., the second end. Therefore, the water jacket 24 is positioned between the water supply and drainage header 26 and the diverting header 28. The diverting header 28 receives cooling water from the outflow channel of the water jacket 24 and directs the cooling water to the return channel of the water jacket 24.

[0024] The second heat exchanger 20b, like the first heat exchanger 20a, includes a water jacket 24, a water supply and drainage header 26, and a diverting header 28. However, the second heat exchanger 20b and the first heat exchanger 20a are arranged in a different orientation in the Y direction. Therefore, in the second heat exchanger 20b, the water supply and drainage header 26 is arranged on the Y2 side of the water jacket 24, and the diverting header 28 is arranged on the Y1 side of the water jacket 24.

[0025] The first heat exchangers 20a and the second heat exchangers 20b are alternately arranged in the direction of arrow X. Therefore, the water supply and drainage header 26 of one of the first heat exchanger 20a and the second heat exchanger 20b and the turning header 28 of the other of the first heat exchanger 20a and the second heat exchanger 20b are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (X direction).

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, two battery units 18 are stacked in the direction of arrow X between the first heat exchanger 20a and the second heat exchanger 20b adjacent to each other.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, four battery frames 16 are provided corresponding to four battery cell groups 19. In addition, the number of battery frames 16 may be three or less or five or more depending on the number of battery cell groups 19. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the battery frame 16 is a holding mechanism 17 that holds the battery cell stack 12. The battery frame 16 includes a pair of holding plates 34, a pair of pressure-receiving plates 36, and four connecting members 38. The pair of holding plates 34 are located at the ends of the battery module 10 in the direction indicated by arrow X.

[0028] The retaining plates 34 serve as pressing portions 35 that press the battery cell stack 12 in the stacking direction via the pressure-receiving plates 36. The pressure-receiving plates 36 are disposed between the retaining plates 34 and the battery cell stack 12. The connecting members 38 connect the pair of retaining plates 34 so that a tightening load (compression load) is applied to the battery cell stack 12 from the pair of retaining plates 34. This prevents expansion of the battery cells 18.

[0029] The pair of retaining plates 34 are located outside the stacking direction of the battery cells 18. The retaining plates 34 are made of, for example, a titanium alloy. Alternatively, the retaining plates 34 may be made of a metal material other than a titanium alloy.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the holding plate 34 is formed into an X-shape when viewed from the thickness direction (arrow X direction) of the holding plate 34. The holding plate 34 has a point-symmetrical shape and includes a plate center portion 40 and four arm portions 42.

[0031] The plate center portion 40 is located in the center of the retaining plate 34. Four arms 42 extend radially from the plate center portion 40. The four arms 42 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the plate center portion 40. The arms 42 are leaf springs that elastically deform when a tightening load is applied to the battery cell stack 12. The number of arms 42 is not limited to four and may be three, five, or more.

[0032] The end portion of the arm portion 42 in the extending direction is provided with a mounting portion 44. The connecting member 38 is connected to the mounting portion 44. The mounting portion 44 is formed with a through hole 45 (see FIG. 4 ) for inserting the bolt portion 48 of the connecting member 38. Figure 3 ).

[0033] The attachment portion 44 is located outside the battery cell stack 12 when viewed in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the battery cells 18. The attachment portion 44 does not overlap with the terminal portion 22 when viewed in the arrow X direction.

[0034] The pressure plate 36 is a pressing plate for uniformly applying the tightening load applied by the holding plate 34 to the battery cell stack 12. The pressure plate 36 is formed into a quadrilateral. Figure 3 As shown, the first surface 36a of the pressure-receiving plate 36, which faces the battery cell stack 12, is in surface contact with the end surface of the battery cell stack 12. Furthermore, the second surface 36b of the pressure-receiving plate 36, which faces in the direction opposite to the battery cell stack 12, is in surface contact with the center portion 40 of the retaining plate 34. The battery frame 16 may not include the pressure-receiving plate 36.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, when the retaining plate 34 is attached to the pressure-receiving plate 36, the four arm portions 42 extend so as to overlap with the four corners of the pressure-receiving plate 36 when viewed in the direction of arrow X. When the retaining plate 34 is attached to the pressure-receiving plate 36, gaps are provided between the arm portions 42 and the corners of the pressure-receiving plate 36. When the retaining plate 34 is attached to the pressure-receiving plate 36, the four attachment portions 44 are located outward of the pressure-receiving plate 36 when viewed in the direction of arrow X.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting component 38 includes a connecting shaft 46, two bolts 48, and two nuts 50. The connecting shaft 46 extends along the stacking direction of the battery cells 18. The connecting shaft 46 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The bolts 48 protrude from the axial end surface of the connecting shaft 46. The bolts 48 are inserted into the through holes 45 of the mounting portion 44. The nuts 50 are screwed into the bolts 48. The mounting portion 44 is located between the nuts 50 and the connecting shaft 46.

[0037] When the nut 50 is tightened on the bolt portion 48, the retaining plate 34 is pressed toward the pressure plate 36. At this time, the four arms 42 elastically deform. The elastic force (spring force) of the four arms 42 acts as a tightening load on the battery cell stack 12 via the pressure plate 36. This tightening load is the holding force of the retaining plate 34 holding the battery cell stack 12. The battery frame 16 retains the battery cell stack 12 solely by the frictional force generated by the force of the retaining plate 34 pressing against the battery cell stack 12 via the pressure plate 36.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 10 further includes an anti-drop mechanism 60. The anti-drop mechanism 60 is a structure for preventing at least the heat exchanger 20 from falling off the battery cell stack 12. The anti-drop mechanism 60 includes a through-hole 62 and a shaft 64. In this embodiment, the anti-drop mechanism 60 is disposed at both ends of the battery module 10 in the Y direction. In other words, the battery module 10 includes multiple anti-drop mechanisms 60.

[0039] The through holes 62 are holes formed in the heat exchanger 20 in a portion that does not overlap with the battery cells 18 in the stacking direction (X direction). Specifically, the through holes 62 are formed in the water supply and drainage header 26 and the diverter header 28 of the heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the through holes 62 are also holes used for positioning when determining the installation position of the battery cell stack 12. That is, when the battery module 10 is installed on the installation object (for example, Figure 6 When the moving body 100 is used as shown, a positioning shaft (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 62 to position the battery cell stack 12. In this embodiment, the through hole 62 is circular.

[0040] A through hole 62 (hereinafter also referred to as "through hole 62a") formed in the water supply and drainage header 26 extends through the header 26 in the stacking direction. Through hole 62a is formed between the water supply port 30 and the drain port 32. Through hole 62a is formed in the lower portion of the water supply and drainage header 26. Alternatively, through hole 62a may be formed in the upper portion of the water supply and drainage header 26 or in the vertically central portion of the water supply and drainage header 26.

[0041] A through hole 62 (hereinafter also referred to as "through hole 62b") formed in the steering manifold 28 extends through the steering manifold 28 in the stacking direction. The through hole 62b is formed in the lower portion of the steering manifold 28. Alternatively, the through hole 62b may be formed in the upper portion of the steering manifold 28 or in the vertically central portion of the steering manifold 28.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the anti-drop mechanism 60 , a plurality of through holes 62 are arranged in a straight line along the stacking direction (X direction). Therefore, a hole array is formed by the plurality of through holes 62 arranged in the stacking direction.

[0043] like Figure 5A As shown, the through hole 62a provided in the water supply and drainage header 26 is preferably circular. On the other hand, the through hole 62b provided in the diversion header 28 is preferably in a track field shape. In other words, the through hole 62a is arranged at a substantially fixed position through the water supply port 30, so a circular shape is suitable. On the other hand, considering the various water jackets 24 ( Figure 2 ) in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and the influence of thermal expansion during use, it is preferred that the through hole 62b has a track and field shape with a gap in the Y direction relative to the shaft 64. The track and field shape of the through hole 62b has a pair of semicircular arc portions 621 and a pair of straight portions 622 connecting the pair of arc portions 621. The long axis of the track and field shape of the through hole 62b is along the water jacket 24 ( Figure 2 ) in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the radius of the plurality of through holes 62a and the radius of the arc portion 621 of the track and field-shaped portion of the plurality of through holes 62b are identical. The hole shapes of the through holes 62a and 62b do not need to be the shapes described above, but can be any shape that achieves the objectives of the present invention. Examples include elliptical and quadrilateral shapes.

[0044] like Figure 4As shown, the shaft 64 is inserted into the through hole 62 (a hole row consisting of a plurality of through holes 62). The shaft 64 extends along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 12. The heat exchanger 20 can move relative to the shaft 64 in the stacking direction. The shaft 64 is longer than the dimension of the battery cell stack 12 in the stacking direction. Therefore, both ends of the shaft 64 protrude from the battery cell stack 12. The both ends of the shaft 64 are held by support portions 66 arranged on both sides of the stacking direction of the battery module 10. The heat exchanger 20 is prevented from falling off by the shaft 64. That is, the shaft 64 is an anti-falling shaft.

[0045] The support portion 66 is fixed to an installation object (eg, Figure 6 The support portion 66 supports both ends of the shaft 64 to prevent the shaft 64 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (the axial direction of the shaft 64).

[0046] like Figure 5A As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 64 on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 64 is circular. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 64 is not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a quadrilateral, or the like.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, when the battery cell stack 12 is held at the initial pressing position, that is, the initial position, relative to the pressing portion 35 (holding plate 34) of the holding mechanism 17, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 is separated from the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through hole 62. That is, when the heat exchanger 20 is not displaced from the initial position, an annular space 70 is formed between the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 and the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through hole 62, surrounding the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64.

[0048] like Figure 5A As shown, a substance for reducing the friction coefficient (hereinafter also referred to as "low-friction material 68") may be provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 or at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. In this embodiment, the low-friction material 68 is provided on at least the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 or at least the upper portion of the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. When the low-friction material 68 is provided, the low-friction material 68 is provided on at least one of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 and the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. The low-friction material 68 may also be provided on both the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 and the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. Examples of the low-friction material 68 include coatings such as fluororesin, polyacetal, and polyamide. The low-friction material 68 may also be a lubricant such as grease.

[0049] This embodiment achieves the following effects.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 10 has an anti-drop mechanism 60 that prevents at least the heat exchanger 20 from falling off from the battery cell stack 12. According to such a structure, even when vibration exceeding the expected value is applied to the battery module 10, the battery module 10 can be prevented from falling off. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat exchanger 20 is supported by the anti-drop mechanism 60 (through hole 62 and shaft 64). This prevents the heat exchanger 20 from dropping off from the battery cell stack 12. Figure 1 The tightening force applied by the holding mechanism 17 (battery frame 16 ) shown can therefore prevent the tightening force acting on the battery cell 18 from becoming excessive when the battery cell 18 expands due to a temperature rise or degradation of the battery cell 18 .

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the anti-drop mechanism 60 includes a through-hole 62 and a shaft 64. The through-hole 62 is formed in a portion of the heat exchanger 20 that does not overlap with the battery cells 18 in the stacking direction. The shaft 64 is inserted through the through-hole 62 and retained at both ends. This structure effectively prevents the heat exchanger 20 from falling off the battery cell stack 12 without affecting the battery cells 18.

[0052] The heat exchanger 20 is movable relative to the shaft 64 in the stacking direction. This structure allows the heat exchanger 20 to move when the battery cells 18 expand due to heat generation or degradation. This prevents excessive tightening force from acting on the battery cells 18.

[0053] When the battery cell stack 12 is kept in the initial position relative to the pressing portion 35, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 is separated from the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. With this structure, as long as the battery cell stack 12 remains in its initial position, even if the battery cells 18 expand due to heat generation or deterioration, causing the heat exchanger 20 to move relative to the shaft 64, no sliding resistance will occur between the heat exchanger 20 and the shaft 64. Consequently, the movement of the heat exchanger 20 is not hindered, and the function of absorbing the expansion of the battery cells 18 is appropriately achieved.

[0054] A material for reducing the coefficient of friction (low-friction material 68) is provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 or at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. With this configuration, when the heat exchanger 20 moves relative to the shaft 64 in the stacking direction while the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64, contact is made at the location of the low-friction material 68, thereby reducing the sliding resistance between the heat exchanger 20 and the shaft 64.

[0055] A low-friction material 68 is provided on at least the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 or at least the upper portion of the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. If the heat exchanger 20 is displaced downward by an impact, the outer circumferential surface 64s of the shaft 64 contacts the inner circumferential surface 62s of the through-hole 62. Therefore, when the heat exchanger 20 moves relative to the shaft 64 in the stacking direction, the sliding resistance between the heat exchanger 20 and the shaft 64 is reduced. Alternatively, the low-friction material 68 may not be provided.

[0056] The through-holes 62 are holes used for positioning when determining the installation position of the battery cell stack 12. With this structure, the holes used for positioning can be directly used as holes for preventing the battery cell stack 12 from falling off, thereby achieving a more rational structure.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, through holes 62 are formed in a pair of headers (water supply header 26 and diverter header 28) on heat exchanger 20. This structure effectively prevents heat exchanger 20 from falling off from battery cell stack 12 without increasing the number of components of heat exchanger 20.

[0058] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0059] (Note 1) The battery module (10) of the present invention comprises a battery cell stack (12), a retaining mechanism (17) and an anti-falling mechanism (60), wherein the battery cell stack comprises battery cells (18) and a heat exchanger (20) stacked on the battery cells; the retaining mechanism retains the battery cell stack by pressing both end portions of the battery cell stack inward in the stacking direction; and the anti-falling mechanism at least prevents the heat exchanger from falling off from the battery cell stack.

[0060] (Note 2) In the battery module described in Note 1, the anti-falling mechanism may have a through hole (62) and a shaft (64), wherein the through hole is formed in a portion of the heat exchanger that does not overlap with the battery unit in the stacking direction; the shaft is inserted through the through hole and its two ends are retained, thereby preventing the heat exchanger from falling off.

[0061] (Note 3) In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 2, the axis may extend along the stacking direction, and the heat exchanger may be movable in the stacking direction relative to the axis.

[0062] (Note 4) In the battery module described in Note 3, the retaining mechanism may have a pressing portion (35) for pressing the battery cell stack, and when the battery cell stack is maintained in a state of being in an initial pressing position, i.e., an initial position, relative to the pressing portion, the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface (64s) of the shaft is separated from the inner peripheral surface (62s) of the through hole.

[0063] (Note 5) In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 3, a material for reducing the friction coefficient may be provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft or at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

[0064] (Note 6) In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 5, the substance may be provided on at least an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft or at least an upper portion of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole.

[0065] (Note 7) In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 2, the through hole may be a hole for positioning when determining an installation position of the battery cell stack.

[0066] (Note 8) In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 2, a pair of headers may be provided at both ends of the heat exchanger in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the through-holes may be formed in each of the pair of headers.

[0067] (Note 9) In the battery module described in any one of Notes 2 to 8, the heat exchanger may include a water jacket (24) extending in one direction, a water supply port (30) and a water discharge port (32) provided at one end portion of the water jacket in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the first end portion, and a steering manifold (28) provided at the other end portion of the water jacket in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the second end portion, wherein the steering manifold receives cooling water from the outflow channel of the water jacket and flows the cooling water to the return channel of the water jacket, the through hole provided at the first end portion is circular, and the through hole provided at the second end portion is in the shape of a track and field with the major axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the water jacket.

[0068] (Note 10) In the battery module described in Supplementary Note 9, the radius of the through hole provided at the first end portion and the radius of the semicircular arc portion (621) of the through hole provided at the second end portion may be substantially the same.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. These embodiments can be variously added, replaced, changed, partially deleted, etc. without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the present invention, or without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the present invention derived from the contents recorded in the technical solution and its equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the order of each action and the order of each processing are shown as an example and are not limited to this. In addition, the same applies to the case where numerical values ​​or formulas are used in the description of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: It has a battery cell stack, a holding mechanism and an anti-falling mechanism, wherein: The battery cell stack includes battery cells and a heat exchanger stacked on the battery cells; The holding mechanism holds the battery cell stack by pressing both ends of the battery cell stack inward in the stacking direction; The anti-falling mechanism prevents at least the heat exchanger from falling off from the battery cell stack.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-falling mechanism has a through hole and a shaft, wherein: The through hole is formed in a portion of the heat exchanger that does not overlap with the battery cells in the stacking direction; The shaft is inserted into the through hole and its two ends are held. The heat exchanger is prevented from falling off by the shaft.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The axis extends along the stacking direction, The heat exchanger is movable in the stacking direction relative to the shaft.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The holding mechanism includes a pressing portion for pressing the battery cell stack. When the battery cell stack is maintained at an initial position, that is, an initial pressing position, relative to the pressing portion, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole over the entire circumference.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: A material for reducing the friction coefficient is provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft or at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The substance is provided on at least an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft or at least an upper portion of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole.

7. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The through holes are holes used for positioning when determining the installation position of the battery cell stack.

8. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: A pair of headers is provided at both ends of the heat exchanger in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the through-holes are respectively formed in the pair of headers.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The heat exchanger includes a water jacket extending in one direction, a water supply port and a water discharge port provided at a first end portion, which is one end portion, of the water jacket in the longitudinal direction, and a turning header provided at a second end portion, which is the other end portion, of the water jacket in the longitudinal direction. The turning header is used to receive cooling water from a flow channel of the water jacket and flow the cooling water to a return channel of the water jacket. The through hole provided at the first end is circular, The through hole provided at the second end portion has a track and field shape with a major axis along the longitudinal direction of the water jacket.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The radius of the through hole provided at the first end portion is substantially the same as the radius of the semicircular arc portion of the through hole provided at the second end portion.

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